Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Welton

Thomas D. Welton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7997342
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, improved viscoelastic surfactant gels that comprise non-aqueous tackifying agents, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a non-aqueous tackifying agent, and a viscoelastic surfactant; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Jason E. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20110168395
    Abstract: Improved methods of placing and/or diverting treatment fluids in subterranean formations are described. The methods include introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid, and a plurality of solid particulates comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: a scale inhibitor, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof, wherein the solid particulates are substantially insoluble in the base fluid; and allowing at least a portion of the solid particulates to form a barrier or at partially divert a subsequent fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 7960315
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a acidic treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, an acid composition, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be allowed to interact with a component of the subterranean formation so that the component is at least partially dissolved. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20110136703
    Abstract: A method comprising: A subterranean formation stimulation fluid comprising a stimulation gas and a consolidating agent. Suitable consolidating agents include aqueous tackifying agents, curable compositions, and noncurable and nonaqueous consolidating compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ottmar F. Hoch, Matthew E. Blauch, Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20110120712
    Abstract: A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20110120713
    Abstract: A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7939471
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, improved viscoelastic surfactant gels that comprise non-aqueous tackifying agents, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a non-aqueous tackifying agent, and a viscoelastic surfactant; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7938187
    Abstract: Some of the methods provided comprise the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason Bryant
  • Publication number: 20110105368
    Abstract: Scale-inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. Methods of using scale-inhibiting particulates to inhibit scale formation in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20110100629
    Abstract: Method of treating a subterranean formation using a hydrocarbon treatment fluid using a phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent that is capable of both increasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbon treatment fluid and remaining in the subterranean formation after the viscosity of the gel is broken such that it can act as a scale inhibitor. Phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agents formed from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7926568
    Abstract: Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example of a method of the present invention comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the acid-generating compound to produce an acid that then acidizes at least a portion of the subterranean formation or damage contained in the formation or well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Bradley L. Todd, David E. McMechan, Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Patent number: 7921912
    Abstract: Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example is a method that comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing an acid to generate from the acid-generating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Bradley L. Todd, David E. McMechan, Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20110071056
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that include degradable gemini surfactants including degradable gemini surfactants. Methods of use include subterranean operations, especially those involving the placement of resin systems, formation of emulsions (e.g., emulsified acids, emulsified fracturing fluids, drilling fluids, etc.), and in the formation of surfactant gelled fluids. Such treatments include, but are not limited to, drilling, stimulation treatments (e.g., fracturing treatments, acidizing treatments), and completion operations (e.g., sand control treatments like gravel packing).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Rajesh K Saini, Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Thomas D. Welton, Jason E. Bryant, Sherry G. Gaskins
  • Patent number: 7910524
    Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that include a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan, and at least a plurality of particulates. Additional treatment fluids are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20110028358
    Abstract: Improved methods of placing and/or diverting treatment fluids in subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid, and a plurality of solid particulates comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: a scale inhibitor, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof, wherein the solid particulates are substantially insoluble in the base fluid; and allowing at least a portion of the solid particulates to form a barrier or at partially divert a subsequent fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 7874360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved low-quality particulates and methods of making such improved particulates. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a slurry comprising a treatment fluid and low-quality particulates at least partially coated with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid; introducing the slurry into a subterranean formation; and, depositing the coated, low-quality particulates into the portion of this subterranean formation. A method of improving particulates, comprising at least partially coating low-quality particulates with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Philip D. Nguyen, Matthew E. Blauch
  • Patent number: 7846878
    Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method that comprises: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises water and a concentrated polymer composition comprising a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer. Also disclosed is a method that comprises combining at least water and a concentrated polymer composition to form a treatment fluid, wherein the concentrated polymer composition comprises a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Also disclosed is a concentrated polymer composition comprising: a friction reducing polymer in an amount of about 15% to about 60% by weight of the composition; and a complexing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Thomas D. Welton, Jason Bryant, Michael L Carter
  • Publication number: 20100276151
    Abstract: Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Sevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason Bryant
  • Patent number: 7825073
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a viscosified treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a clarified xanthan; and placing the viscosified treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing the viscosified treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the viscosified treatment fluid may also comprise a plurality of particulates. In some embodiments, the viscosified treatment fluids may be placed into at least a portion of a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Michael W. Sanders, Jeffery L. Mundy, Sean R. Beach, Richard W. Pauls, Phillip C. Harris, Stanley J. Heath, David E. McMechan, Christina A. Parkinson, Harold G. Walters, Jason E. Bryant, Trinidad Munoz, Rajesh K. Saini, Bobby J. Burns
  • Patent number: 7814980
    Abstract: Methods of forming and utilizing micro-crosslinked gels are disclosed, including a method comprising: providing a micro-crosslinked gel that comprises micro-domains; and placing the micro-crosslinked gel into a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the formation at a desired pressure. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions that include a micro-crosslinked gel comprising a jigsaw configuration of micro-domains and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason E. Bryant, Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls